An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6 has ordered the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over a defamation case filed by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court issued the bench warrant on Thursday after the activist failed to appear for a hearing.
News About Nigeria reports that the case began when Chinwo accused VDM of making damaging statements about her on social media.
The claims involved a dispute over $345,000 allegedly linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
Chinwo denied the allegations and presented emails and payment receipts to the court to prove her innocence.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana instructed the police and other security agencies to arrest VDM and bring him before the court to face the allegations.
The order was given after the activist ignored a court summons issued on March 5.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who was present in court, pleaded for more time, promising to personally bring his client to the next hearing.
However, the judge refused to withdraw the arrest order.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argued that VDM’s actions violated the law.
They cited the Penal Code and the Cybercrime Act of 2015 in their case.
In addition to the criminal charges, Chinwo has also filed a civil lawsuit demanding N1.1 billion in damages.
She is asking the court to compel VDM to delete the alleged false statements, issue a public retraction, and apologize.
VeryDarkMan is a Nigerian social media personality known for his outspoken views on controversial topics.
His direct and often confrontational approach has made him both popular and controversial.
